August 17, 2023 Minutes

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES

Regular Meeting: Thursday, August 17, 2023

The Regular Meeting of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023.

The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:

Present: Cody Severson, Jacqueline Dotzenrod, Sekou Sirleaf.

Absent: Hamida Dakane, Nancy Boyle, Cheryl Schaefle, Hon. Carolyn Becraft

Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Severson welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.

Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda
Member Dotzenrod moved the Order of Agenda be approved as presented, second by member Sirleaf. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Item 3. Approve Order of Minutes
Chair Severson moved approval of minute to September Meeting.

Item 4. Update on Housing Discrimination issues
Chair Severson provided update of the meetings held with community leaders, Dept. of Labor Commissioner and High Plains Fair Housing.

Item 5. Statement on Hate Crime
Chair Severson read out Statement on Hate Crime.

Violent acts inspired by hatred is evil. Senseless acts of violent against another human is pure evil. Fargo Human Rights Commission condemns any sort of Hate Crime. We encourage residents to always report acts of hate crime to the Fargo Police Dept. and to US Attorney’s Office. We encourage residents to reach out to us, this commission will always stand with you.

Item 6. Update on 2024 MLK Event
Chair Severson provided update on the upcoming 2024 MLK event. HRC will coordinate with Fred’s Dissonance to curate the event.

Item 7. Staff Updates
Michael Mitchell Training & Development Coordinator provided update on an upcoming Poverty Simulation host by United Way of Cass Clay and the City of Fargo.

Item 8. Committee Updates
No Updates.

Item 9. Announcements
Member Sirleaf shared information on Distinguished Service Award event. Event will be held Saturday August 19 at the Dakota Medical Foundation.
Chair Severson shared- August 19, there will be an event in remembrance of Savanna Greywind in Moorhead at MB Johnson Park.

Item 10. Public Comment
Ryan Netterville stated that Shane Netterville’s memorial in July was disturbed by other person days from the memorial.

Item 12. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 12:23p.m.